The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has found St. Joseph Catholic Hospital liable for the death of 22-year-old Isaiah B. Williams, following investigations into allegations of medical negligence. Isaiah died on January 3, 2024, before a surgical procedure at the facility.
According to multiple reports the hospital has been fined $30,000 for its role in the tragedy, while the doctor involved, Dr. Talley, has been fined $1,000 for operating without a valid license and using faulty equipment during the surgery.
The incident sparked national outrage, with many Liberians sharing their own accounts of alleged negligence at the hospital.
According to Isaiah’s mother, doctors admitted that her son died due to a wrongful medical procedure, compounding public concern about the hospital’s practices. The LMDC’s findings revealed that Dr. Talley’s medical license had expired at the time of the surgery and highlighted substandard conditions at the facility.
Despite these revelations, the LMDC decided against shutting down Catholic Hospital, citing the essential services it provides to the public. Instead, the imposed fines are intended to serve as a deterrent to future malpractice.
The hospital and Dr. Talley are required to pay the fines by March 2025.
In a public statement, Isaiah’s grieving mother expressed disappointment with the LMDC’s decision, stating that fines alone cannot compensate for the loss of her son. She called for stricter penalties to prevent similar tragedies.
The family of the deceased has yet to issue an official response to the LMDC’s report and decision. A family source told DN News that the report will be turned over to the family lawyer for further review and advice.
